Avadh Ojha on PM Modi's education
- PC : MRP Graphics
Educationist Avadh Ojha, popularly known as Ojha Sir among UPSC aspirants and on social media, during an exclusive interview with My Result Plus and Amar Ujala Newsroom team, shared his opinion on the WhatsApp university culture and the education system of our country.
Excerpts from the interview.
At present, WhatsApp University culture is prevailing in our society. It is affecting the education of small and young children. Nowadays, a five-year-old child doesn't know that paddy is cultivated in the field. Most children think it is directly available in shopping malls. What are the after effects of WhatsApp University culture among children after five years from now?
Well, the WhatsApp University culture's after effect is that mental bankruptcy will increase. Rather, it is already increasing. Nowadays, children kill their mother when she prevents them from using their mobile phone. It will lead to unrest in society to such an extent that people will not have proper knowledge. It will also lead to unrest in society. There is a probability of civil war in the future.
In this technology-driven era, people are getting close to mobile phones and away from books. According to you, why is it so?
Well, reading a book requires effort and time. If one gets the gist of things, whatever thing is written in the book, then he/she will not read the book. On the other hand, no effort is required while scrolling through a mobile phone. No effort is required while watching the series on mobile phones. Not reading books actually makes us mentally weak.
The Central government is focussing on the Skill Development of the students? How is it beneficial to youths? Do you look at Studies and Skill Development side by side or differently?
Look, India is a Developing Nation. In Hindi, there are two words; Naukri and Rojgar. If a student learns any skill at 11th or 12th standard, then it will help him/her to get them a job in the future. For example, a water purifier mechanic came to my house recently. The guy said he was preparing for IAS. He is doing the job as a water purifier mechanic because his father cannot afford coaching fee. If a person has skills, then he/ she will have a job (Rojgar). After becoming financially strong, then he can continue his studies. To get a job, a person must have some skill. If we integrate both Skill Development and Studies, then there is a high probability of getting a job. Well, Japan has made Skill Development compulsory. We have seen students studying abroad (Havard University and other foreign educational institutes) and doing part-time jobs.
There is a misconception among parents that their children should study in private schools and not in government schools. Majority of parents think there is no culture in government schools? Private schools charging high fees impart high quality education? What do you want to say about this?
If government school students were subpar, then Modi ji wouldn't have been PM. Private schools guarantee that if children study from there, then they will be able to speak and write English. This fascinates our society. These private schools Westernize students. At times, when I go to different places wearing a Gamchha (towel) to take session, people take this sign of the village outfit. Despite the fact, it is part of our culture.
